Description
This rich, creamy homemade chocolate fudge is made with just five simple ingredients and delivers the velvety-smooth, irresistible texture that has made fudge a timeless favorite for generations. With precise temperature control and a foolproof cooling method, this recipe transforms anyone into a fudge-making expert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Heavy cream (optional richer substitute)
- Almond or peppermint extract (optional flavor variations)
- Dutch-processed cocoa (optional milder alternative)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients before beginning for a smooth cooking process.
- Grease an 8-inch square baking dish, line with parchment paper, and grease again.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and cocoa powder, then stir in milk until smooth; heat to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer without stirring until mixture reaches 238°F (114°C).
- If no thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water—if a soft ball forms, it’s ready.
- Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool undisturbed to 110°F (43°C), about 50–70 minutes.
- Add softened butter and vanilla, beating vigorously until mixture loses its gloss.
- Spread fudge into the prepared pan, smooth the top, cool fully, then cut into 1-inch squares.
Notes
Follow temperature instructions closely—beating too long or too little affects texture. Never stir during the simmering stage to prevent crystallization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 12.4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 2.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16.8g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate fudge, homemade fudge, creamy fudge, easy fudge recipe, holiday fudge